The Next Level Gaming Lab
As technology advances, integrating competitive video gaming into academic curriculums is becoming increasingly popular.
eSports offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment, leveraging skills like strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
This creates a curriculum that not only appeals to students but also fosters the development of essential 21st-century competencies.
We have consistently supported various educational institutions with the necessary esports hardware, software, and peripherals. Among these projects, the Next Level Gaming Lab at Bolton College stands out as a flagship example of our comprehensive approach to design, integration, and ongoing support for esports facilities.
Bolton College sought to establish a state-of-the-art esports facility as part of its curriculum, aiming to attract a diverse student body and enhance student engagement. Our task was to deliver a complete solution, from conceptual design to technical implementation. The goal was to have the facility operational before student enrolment began, requiring a swift and efficient execution.
An eSports environment is distinct from a traditional classroom setting, requiring a specific aesthetic and functional design. Bolton College requested a full blackout room with controllable RGB LED lighting to create an immersive gaming experience. However, the space also needed to be versatile, functioning as a classroom when required. To accommodate this, we incorporated daylight-temperature LED ceiling panels and an interactive touchscreen, balancing the dual-purpose needs of the room.
Our technical team initiated the project by conducting a thorough assessment of the required products, focusing on three key areas:
Furniture
Desks | Chairs | Equipment Security & Fixings
Room
Déco | Lighting/Ambience | Cable Management
Hardware & IT Infrastructure
PC’s | eSports Servers | Network Requirements
ContentDelivery | Front-end Software
Despite the tight schedule, we presented Bolton College with multiple designs, ensuring that the selected items met both budget and quality standards.
Security was a paramount concern, so bespoke clamps were designed for securing the PCs. Additionally, we collaborated closely with the college’s IT team to provide guidance on managing servers and deploying updates across multiple high-performance machines.
Enhanced Student Engagement
The successful integration of eSports into Bolton College’s curriculum means they’re primed for increased student engagement and a more diverse student body. By creating a state-of-the-art esports facility, the college will attract new students with an interest in gaming and technology.
Development of 21st-Century Skills
The esports facility at Bolton College provides students with a unique learning environment that fosters essential skills like strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial for future careers, aligning with the demands of the modern workforce.
The success of this project highlights the growing potential of esports to attract a diverse range of students, including those who may not excel in traditional sports.
This inclusivity fosters a sense of community and belonging, enhancing the overall educational experience. As esports continues to gain momentum in the education sector, it is poised to transform how we think about the role of technology in the classroom, offering innovative approaches to learning that resonate with today’s students.
Catherine Langstreth, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Stakeholder Engagement at Bolton College, explains:
“When we embarked on the journey to create our esports Suite, we knew we needed a partner who not only understood the technical requirements of this specialised space but also shared our excitement and vision for creating an immersive, dynamic, educational environment.
The IDNS team worked closely with us at every stage, ensuring that the design of the esports room was perfectly aligned with the unique needs of our esports study programmes. Their understanding of the industry, combined with their technical expertise, helped us to create a space that promotes collaboration, high-level gaming performance, and an engaging learning environment for our students.”
"The esports room is now a central hub of activity for our students, and we’ve already seen how it’s enhancing their practical skills and teamwork abilities. It has been incredibly well-received by both students and staff.
We’re excited about the impact this space will have on our students’ futures and are grateful to IDNS for making it a reality. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and would highly recommend their services to any organisation seeking to bring their vision to life with passion and expertise.”
